Outcome of urethral strictures treated by endoscopic urethrotomy and urethroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: We analyze the outcomes of patients with urethral stricture who underwent surgical treatment within the past 5 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of male patients who underwent surgery for urethral stricture at our service from January 2008 to June 2012. We analyzed the comorbidities, type, length and location of the stricture and the surgical treatment outcome after endoscopic urethrotomy, urethroplasty or both. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients with a mean age of 53.7 ± 16.7 years underwent surgical treatment for urethral stricture. Six months after surgery, 46.7% of the patients had a maximum urinary flow greater than 15 mL/s, whereas 87.3% of the patients exhibited no stricture by urethrography after the treatment. The success rate in the patients undergoing urethrotomy was 47.8% versus 86.4% in those undergoing urethroplasty (p = 0.01). Twenty percent of the patients in whom the initial urethrotomy had failed subsequently underwent urethroplasty, thereby increasing the treatment success. CONCLUSION: In most cases, the treatment of choice for urethral stricture should be urethroplasty. Previous treatment with urethrotomy does not appear to produce adverse effects that affect the outcome of a urethroplasty if urethrotomy failed, so urethrotomy may be indicated in patients with short strictures or in patients at high surgical risk.

Segmental testicular infarction: partial orchiectomy in a very rare pathology.

Segmental testicular infarctions are a rare disease with a low prevalence and few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a 26-year-old male without any relevant medical history who consulted at the Urology Department due to mild pain in the right testicle over the last month. He had no previous trauma or acute testicular pain. Partial orchiectomy was performed through an inguinal incision with removal of lesions and reconstruction of the testicular parenchyma. Histological examination revealed testicular infarction with no presence of neoplastic cells.

Vesicoureteral refulx in overactive bladder: medical resolution through botulin toxin injection.

OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder may have a neurogenic or non neurogenic origin. Sometimes, as a result of detrusor overactivity, disorders of the upper urinary tract function may appear. One of these alterations may be the appearance of associated vesicoureteral reflux. The treatment of overactive bladder may be done with anticholinergic drugs and if there is not response the use of botulin toxin type A is approved. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the effect of botulin toxin type A in the treatment of overactive bladder and vesicoureteral reflux secondary to the overactive bladder. METHOD: We present the case of a 10-year-old patient without significant past medical history. When he was one year old he had a urinary infection and voiding cystourethrogram showed grade 1 right vesicoureteral reflux. When he was 4 year old he presented several episodes of pyelonephritis and then he was diagnosed of severe bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, which did not respond to treatment with Macroplastic ® or Deflux ®. Urodynamic study was performed showing overactive bladder with decreased bladder compliance. RESULTS: We performed intravesical injection of 200 U of botulin toxin type A and vesicoureteral reflux disappeared and urodynamic study improved. One year later we re-injected botulin toxin type A (300 U) and we repeated the injection after one year (300 U). The patient is currently well, without changes in the urodynamic study and without vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSION: Repeated injections of botulin toxin type A has shown great efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder in children with vesicoureteral reflux improved secondary.

Reflujo vesicoureteral en vejiga hiperactiva: resolución con inyección de toxina botulínica / Vesicoureteral refulx in overactive bladder: medical resolution through botulin toxin injection

OBJETIVO: La vejiga hiperactiva puede tener un origen neurogénico o no neurogénico. En ocasiones, como consecuencia de dicha hiperactividad del detrusor pueden producirse alteraciones en la funcionalidad del tracto urinario superior. Una de esas alteraciones puede ser la aparición de reflujo vesicoureteral asociado. El tratamiento de dicha vejiga hiperactiva puede hacerse con anticolinérgicos y en caso de no presentar respuestas, está aprobado el uso de toxina botulínica tipo A. El objetivo es demostrar el efecto de la toxina botulínica tipo A en el tratamiento de la vejiga hiperactiva y del reflujo vesicoureteral secundario a la misma. MÉTODO: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 10 años sin antecedentes personales de interés que al año de vida presentó infección urinaria y en cistouretrografía miccional seriada tenía reflujo vesicoureteral derecho grado 1. A los 4 años de edad presentó varios episodios de pielonefritis diagnosticándose de reflujo vesicoureteral severo bilateral no respondiendo a tratamiento con macroplastic® ni deflux®. Se realizó estudio urodinámico observando vejiga hiperactiva con disminución de la acomodación vesical. RESULTADOS: Se realizó inyección intravesical de 200 U de toxina botulínica tipo A observando remisión del reflujo vesicoureteral y mejoría en el estudio urodinámico. Al año se vuelve a inyectar toxina botulínica tipo A (300 U) y se repite un año después la inyección de 300 U, estando actualmente el paciente bien, sin alteraciones en el estudio urodinámico y sin reflujo vesicoureteral. CONCLUSIÓN: La inyección repetida de toxina botulínica tipo A ha demostrado gran eficacia en el tratamiento de la vejiga hiperactiva en niños con mejoría del reflujo vesicoureteral secundario(AU)

OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder may have a neurogenic or non neurogenic origin. Sometimes, as a result of detrusor overactivity, disorders of the upper urinary tract function may appear. One of these alterations may be the appearance of associated vesicoureteral reflux. The treatment of overactive bladder may be done with anticholinergic drugs and if there is not response the use of botulin toxin type A is approved.The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the effect of botulin toxin type A in the treatment of overactive bladder and vesicoureteral reflux secondary to the overactive bladder. METHOD: We present the case of a 10-year-old patient without significant past medical history. When he was one year old he had a urinary infection and voiding cystourethrogram showed grade 1 right vesicoureteral reflux. When he was 4 year old he presented several episodes of pyelonephritis and then he was diagnosed of severe bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, which did not respond to treatment with Macroplastic ® or Deflux ®. Urodynamic study was performed showing overactive bladder with decreased bladder compliance. RESULTS: We performed intravesical injection of 200 U of botulin toxin type A and vesicoureteral reflux disappeared and urodynamic study improved. One year later we reinjected botulin toxin type A (300 U) and we repeated the injection after one year (300 U). The patient is currently well, without changes in the urodynamic study and without vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSION: Repeated injections of botulin toxin type A has shown great efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder in children with vesicoureteral reflux improved secondary(AU)

Complications from the placement of a tension-free suburethral sling using the transobturator and retropubic methods for treatment of female urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze surgical complications arising from the collocation of suburethral mesh in the lower urinary tract, using both the transobturator and retropubic methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period between November 2002 and June 2011, we retrospectively studied 190 patients that were treated for stress urinary incontinence using a tension-free suburethral sling. 50 patients were treated using the retropubic route (SPARC®), and 140 patients were treated using a transobturator (MONARC®). RESULTS: In total, 16.57% of the patients presented with intraoperative, immediate postoperative or later postoperative complications. We observed a higher rate of complications with patients who were operated on retropubically (26%) than with patients who were operated on using the transobturator method (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications for our study was low, and was even lower in the case of transobturator tape. Thus, we usually used transobturator tape in the treatment of stress incontinence.

The oblique supine decubitus position: technical description and comparison of results with the prone decubitus and dorsal supine decubitus positions.

Our objective was to analyze the advantages of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy in oblique supine decubitus compared to the prone and dorsal supine position. In 87 patients diagnosed with urolithiasis (495.5-530.8 mm(2)), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed from 2000 to 2011. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A, 32 patients, PNL in the prone decubitus position; Group B, 24 patients, PNL in the dorsal supine position; Group C, 31 patients, PNL in the oblique supine position. We analyzed intraoperative parameters, complications, and results among the three groups. The three procedures were performed with a single access, 24-30 Ch. No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding the patients' characteristics, or the morphology or size of the kidney stone treated. The operation time was shorter in the cases of PNL in dorsal supine and oblique supine compared to the prone position. The complication rate was very similar in the three groups. The main advantage of the PNL in oblique supine compared to the dorsal supine was that the puncture could in all cases be directed by ultrasonography, with greater precision, more safety, and more control of the percutaneous renal access. The oblique supine decubitus position is a safe position for the percutaneous treatment of urolithiasis and it becomes easier when the puncture is guided by ultrasound.

Mineral density and bone remodelling markers in patients with calcium lithiasis.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Hypercalciuria is related with bone mineral density loss. This study demonstrates the relationship between recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis and bone mineral density loss and their correlation with bone markers. OBJECTIVES: • To show that a relationship exists between the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and calcium renal lithiasis and that bone remodelling markers correlate with changes in BMD. • It is possible that many cases hypercalciuria are related to the increase of bone turnover and the predominance of bone resorption phenomena. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The present study comprised a transversal investigation in three groups: group O, without lithiasis; group A, with a single episode of lithiasis; and group B, with relapsed calcium renal lithiasis. • An analysis was made of body mass index; abdominal X-ray and/or urography and renal ultrasonography; osteocalcin and ß-crosslaps bone markers; calcium and citrate concentrations in the urine; and femur and spinal column bone densitometry. • The results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: • Patients with relapsed calcium renal lithiasis present a greater BMD loss than those in the O or A groups. • Densitometry: T-score femur -0.2 group O, -0.5 group A, -1.2 group B (P= 0.001); T-score column -0.6 group O, -0.6 group A, -1.3 group B (P= 0.05). • A statistically significant negative correlation exists between values of ß-crosslaps and T-score femur (R=-0.251; P= 0.009) and T-score column (R=-0.324; P= 0.001); thus, a higher concentration of ß-crosslaps was accompanied by a lower value of the T-score and a greater loss of BMD. • A positive relationship is observed between ß-crosslaps and osteocalcin (R= 0.611; P < 0.001) and between calciuria and cocient ß-crosslaps/osteocalcin (R= 0.303; P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: • A statistically significant relationship is shown between the loss of BMD and relapsed calcium renal lithiasis. • Determination of bone remodelling markers (i.e. osteocalcin and ß-crosslaps) facilitates the diagnosis of osteopaenia/osteoporosis in these patients.

Relationship between biopsy Gleason score and radical prostatectomy specimen Gleason score in patients undergoing sextant vs 12 core biopsies.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to analyze the degree of concordance between the Gleason score (GS) obtained in prostate biopsies and the one after radical prostatectomy. The intention is to know whether 12-core biopsy, instead of 6 (sextant biopsy), improves, or not, this correlation. METHODS: A Cohort/prevalence study was conducted on 128 patients who underwent prostate biopsy and subsequent radical prostatectomy. Patients showing biopsy Gleason values greater or equal to 6 were selected as candidates for radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Mean age of the group of 128 patients was 62.9 years, with a mean PSA value of 8.53ng/ml. There was concordance between biopsy Gleason score and that obtained after radical prostatectomy in 63.28% of cases, while discordance was found in 36.72% of cases. There were not significant statistical differences after comparing results obtained between Gleason score concordance after 6 or 12-core biopsies and that obtained after radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We have noticed a low correlation between Gleason score after biopsy when it was compared with that obtained after radical prostatectomy, while these results are similar to those found in the literature. We did not find better results regarding Gleason score correlation after biopsies performed with 12 cores instead of 6.

Relación entre score gleason biópsico y score gleason tras prostatectomía radical en pacientes sometidos a biopsia sextante vs 12 cilindros / Relationship between biopsy gleason score and radical prostatectomy specimen gleason score in patients undergoing sextant vs 12 core biopsies

OBJETIVO: El cáncer de próstata es una patología cada vez más prevalente por la longevidad de la población. Es por ello que cada vez con más frecuencia se somete a los pacientes a realización de biopsia prostática para realizar su diagnóstico de certeza.Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la relación del score gleason obtenido en la biopsia de próstata con el obtenido tras prostatectomía radical. Se pretendió analizar si la obtención de 12 cilindros en lugar de 6 (biopsia sextante) mejora o no esta relación.MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles con 128 pacientes (98 casos en los que se obtuvó 6 cilindros y 30 controles en los que se obtuvieron 12 cilindros) que fueron sometidos a biopsia de próstata y posterior prostatectomía radical. Para ello se seleccionaron a pacientes con Gleason biópsico mayor o igual de 6 y candidatos a prostatectomía radical.RESULTADOS: La media de edad de los 128 pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue de 62,9 años, con una media de PSA de 8,53 ng/ml. Se observó igualdad de Score Gleason biopsia/prostatectomía en el 63,28 % de los pacientes y desigualdad en el 36,72 %. Tras comparar los resultados obtenidos entre la relación del score gleason tras extracción de 6 o 12 cilindros y tras prostatectomía radical no se apreciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativasCONCLUSIONES: La correlación gleason biopsia-prostatectomía radical es baja. No apreciamos mejoría significativa para esta correlación el obtener 12 cilindros en lugar de 6(AU)

OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to analyze the degree of concordance between the Gleason score (GS) obtained in prostate biopsies and the one after radical prostatectomy. The intention is to know whether 12-core biopsy, ins-tead of 6 (sextant biopsy), improves, or not, this correla-tion.METHODS: A Cohort/prevalence study was conducted on 128 patients who underwent prostate biopsy and subsequent radical prostatectomy. Patients showing biop-sy Gleason values greater or equal to 6 were selected as candidates for radical prostatectomy.RESULTS: Mean age of the group of 128 patients was 62.9 years, with a mean PSA value of 8.53ng/ml. There was concordance between biopsy Gleason score and that obtained after radical prostatectomy in 63.28% of cases, while discordance was found in 36.72% of cases. There were not significant statistical differences after comparing results obtained between Gleason sco-re concordance after 6 or 12-core biopsies and that obtained after radical prostatectomy.CONCLUSIONS: We have noticed a low correlation between Gleason score after biopsy when it was com-pared with that obtained after radical prostatectomy, while these results are similar to those found in the lite-rature. We did not find better results regarding Gleason score correlation after biopsies performed with 12 cores instead of 6(AU)

Spontaneous retroperitoneal abscess as the first clinical manifestation of a non-functioning retroperitoneal paraganglioma.

We demonstrate a novel clinical presentation of paraganglioma not described in the literature. The paraganglioma is a catecholamine secretory, or non-secretory, neuroendocrine tumour that derives from chromaffin cells. Its frequency, with regard to pheochromocytoma, is low, and the abdominal region is the most frequent localisation site, followed in importance by the cervical region. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with a retroperitoneal abscess; after drainage of the lesion, samples indicated necrotic paraganglioma cells, so it was decided to conduct a survey to determine catecholamine levels in urine, and carry out a MIBG gammagraphy, which described a non-functioning retroperitoneal paraganglioma that underwent surgical removal. There was no residual disease after 3-month follow-up.

Cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors.

OBJECTIVES: To study the procedure and results of cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors. Intrinsic or extrinsic ureteral stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Endoscopic dilation and incision is 1 potential option for ureteral intrinsic stenosis. METHODS: During a 3-year period (2005-2007), a prospective study was performed of cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors in 17 consecutive patients (11 women and 6 men), aged 22-64 years. Of the 17 patients, 6 had been diagnosed with proximal ureteral stenosis, 3 with iliac ureteral stenosis, and 8 with pelvic ureteral stenosis. The procedure was performed with a semirigid 8.5Ch ureteroscope, catheterizing and dilation of the stenosis with a balloon catheter, cold cutting of the ureteral wall with scissors, including margins of healthy tissue at both ends of the stenosis, and a 6F double-J ureteral stent for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The results were evaluated after 3 months with urography in 15 cases and diuretic renography in 2 cases. Analysis of the postoperative complications and urography was done at 12-24 months. Immediate success was obtained after the first endoscopic ureterotomy with scissors in 16 of 17 cases (94%). At 12-24 months, success was maintained in 88.5% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors is a safe technique for the patient. This procedure could be a therapeutic option in cases of benign intrinsic ureteral stenosis of <15 mm.

Treatment of ureteric lithiasis with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy vs extracorporeal lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficiency of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) vs retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy, as ESWL is successful in 67-90% of cases but endoscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotrites or lasers is successful in 90-96% of distal ureteric calculi, and holmium:YAG lithotripsy is effective in proximal ureteric calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2006 to April 2008 we assessed 164 patients undergoing ureteric lithiasis in two homogeneous groups: group A included 83 treated with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG endoscopic lithotripsy, and group B, 81 treated by ESWL. For laser lithotripsy we used 2071 mJ pulses at 3-6 Hz, with a mean of 1105 pulses and 2.5 kJ of total energy. ESWL was carried out using 37.5-87.5 mJ shock waves, a mean of 3650 shock waves and 187.6 J, with a radioscopy time of 1-4 min. The results were assessed after 3 weeks with plain films and ultrasonography, or urography. The efficiency of each procedure was assessed by calculating the relative risk, and results compared using the chi-square or Student's t-test. The efficiency quotient (EQ) was determined for both procedures, and the focal applied energy quotient (FAEQ) used to assess ESWL. RESULTS: The overall success rate for retrograde ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy was 96.4% (80/83 patients), with an EQ of 0.52; a JJ catheter was placed in 67 patients. The success rate for the first ESWL session was 48%, and after repeat ESWL was 64% (52/81 patients), giving an EQ of 0.39. For successful treatments the FAEQ was 9.22, vs 6.47 for the failures (P < 0.005). There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) favouring laser lithotripsy, with an absolute benefit of 46% (95% confidence interval 33.8-57.9%), and number needed to treat of 2 (2-3), but no significant differences for lumbar ureteric calculi. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium laser is more effective than ESWL, but for lumbar ureteric calculi ESWL is therapeutically recommended as it is less invasive.

[Clinical and radiological criteria for the therapeutic decision for vesicoureteral refux. Retrospective analysis of our experience]. / Criterios clínicos y radiológicos en la decisión terapéutica del reflujo vesicoureteral. Un análisis retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVES: According to our experience, we present a proposal for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, based on both clinical and radiological evidences. We also describe how the introduction of endoscopic procedures has influenced the evolution of treatment indications as well as the time intervals for treatment. METHODS: We have analysed all cases of vesicoureteral reflux treated in our Department in two periods of similar length: The first one (106 patients) comprised from 1995 to March 2001 (when endoscopic procedures were introduced). The second one (138 patients), comprised from March, 2001 to March 2007. Clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome-related variables were studied for all cases. RESULTS: The number of patients was higher in the second period. In this period the number of cases requiring ureteral reimplantation decreased with respect to the first one (from 24 to 7). The success rate with endoscopic treatment reached 94.9%, with no significant differences regarding age or grade of reflux, although higher rates of failures were observed in children aged less than 3 years old and in high-grade reflux. The association of reflux with other malformations was not related with a worse evolution after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment, due to its similar efficacy and low aggressiveness, should be considered a valid alternative to open surgery (which offers good results but non-negligible comorbidity) for persistent reflux in which medical treatment has not been useful. We propose a tentative therapeutic scheme to establish the indications for each type of treatment depending on the grade of reflux and its clinical evolution.

Criterios clínicos y radiológicos en la decisión terapéutica del reflujo vesicoureteral. Un análisis retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia / Clinical and radiological criteria for the therapeutic decision for vesicoureteral reflux. Retrospective analysis of our experience

Objetivo: Establecer, en base a nuestra experiencia, unos esquemas terapéuticos del reflujo vesicoureteral en el niño, apoyándonos en resultados clínicos y radiológicos, observando cómo han ido evolucionando las indicaciones y tiempos de tratamiento con el advenimiento de las técnicas endoscópicas. Métodos: Se han analizado los pacientes con reflujo vesicoureteral tratados en dos periodos de similar duración: el primero (106 pacientes), entre 1995 y marzo 2001 (fecha en que se introdujeron las técnicas endoscópicas); el segundo, (138 pacientes), desde esa fecha hasta marzo de 2007. En todos los pacientes se estudiaron variables clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas, así como el resultado obtenido. Resultados: El número de pacientes tratados aumentó en el segundo período, en él disminuyó ostensiblemente (de 24 a 7) el número de pacientes que requirieron reimplantación vesicoureteral. La proporción de éxitos del tratamiento endoscópico ascendió al 94,9%, no apreciándose diferencias significativas en función de la edad o el grado de reflujo, aunque se observa un mayor porcentaje de fracasos en niños menores de 3 años y en reflujos de alto grado. La presencia de malformaciones asociadas no se relacionó con una peor evolución tras el tratamiento. Conclusiones: En aquellos reflujos donde el tratamiento médico no ha sido eficaz, persistiendo o empeorando el mismo, y como alternativa a la cirugía abierta (con buenos resultados pero con una morbilidad no desdeñable), el tratamiento endoscópico se convierte en una alternativa de eficacia similar y mínimamente agresiva. Proponemos un esquema orientativo para establecer las indicaciones de cada estrategia terapéutica en función del grado de reflujo y su evolución clínica (AU)

Objectives: According to our experience, we present a proposal for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, based on both clinical and radiological evidences. We also describe how the introduction of endoscopic procedures has influenced the evolution of treatment indications as well as the time intervals for treatment. Methods: We have analysed all cases of vesicoureteral reflux treated in our Department in two periods of similar length: The first one (106 patients) comprised from 1995 to March 2001 (when endoscopic procedures were introduced). The second one (138 patients), comprised from March, 2001 to March 2007. Clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome-related variables were studied for all cases. Results: The number of patients was higher in the se-cond period. In this period the number of cases requiring ureteral reimplantation decreased with respect to the first one (from 24 to 7). The success rate with endoscopic treatment reached 94,9%, with no significant differences regarding age or grade of reflux, although higher rates of failures were observed in children aged less than 3 years old and in high-grade reflux. The association of reflux with other malformations was not related with a worse evolution after treatment. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment, due to its similar efficacy and low aggressiveness, should be considered a valid alternative to open surgery (which offers good results but non-negligible comorbidity) for persistent reflux in which medical treatment has not been useful. We propose a tentative therapeutic scheme to establish the indications for each type of treatment depending on the grade of reflux and its clinical evolution (AU)

[The treatment of renal lithiasis with biphosphonates]. / Tratamiento de la litiasis renal con bifosfonatos.

OBJECTIVES: Current treatment of hypercalciuria is still controversial, not being recommended calcium restriction since it may cause a negative balance with important consequences to bone metabolism. In adults, the use of biphosphonates (sodium alendronate) has shown a good response. Biphosphonates are synthetic analogs of the endogenous pirophosphate. Pirophosphate is the simplest form of phosphate. In 1968, Fleisch demonstrated that inorganic pirophosphate inhibits the precipitation of calcium phosphate. The differences between various biphosphonates are in the safety margin between their inhibitor effect for bone resorption and the inhibitor effect for mineralization; bone resorption inhibition has been their most widely spread application. The objective of this work is to analyze the clinical and biochemical effect of biphosphonates in patients with hypercalciuria, osteopenia and renal lithiasis. METHODS: From 1996 to 2006 we treated 25 cases of recurrent renal lithiasis associated with hypercalciuria and primary or secondary bone mass loss. All cases were treated with sodium alendronate and oral calcium (1000-1200 mg/day). We analyze tolerance and treatment compliance, side effects, biochemical effects on blood and urine, effect on bone mineralization, and the outcome of lithiasic disease before and after treatment. RESULTS: All patients have followed the recommendations for the administration of the drug (sodium alendronate 10 mg/day or 70 mg/week), have had good tolerance without relevant side effects, and no one quit treatment. 76% of the cases have had remission of the lithogenesis activity and 24% reduction, and all cases have had an increase of bone mineralization. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of selected patients with recurrent lithiasis and osteopenia the treatment with biphosphonates alone or associated with thiazide diuretics has given good results in renal lithiasis control and bone demineralization. The extension of indications should be analyzed in a multicentric randomized study.

Tratamiento de la litiasis renal con bifosfonatos / The treatment of renal lithiasis with biphosphonates

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento actual de la hipercalciuria aún es controvertido, no recomendándose la restricción de calcio ya que puede producir un balance negativo con importantes consecuencias en el metabolismo óseo. En adultos, el uso de bifosfonatos (alendronato sódico) ha mostrado buena respuesta. Los bifosfonatos son análogos sintéticos del pirofosfato endógeno, el pirofosfato es la forma más simple del fosfato, Fleisch en 1968 demostró que el pirofosfato inorgánico inhibe la precipitación del fosfato cálcico. La diferencia entre los diferentes bifosfonatos está en el margen de seguridad entre su efecto inhibidor de la resorción ósea y el efecto inhibidor de la mineralización, su aplicación más difundida ha sido como inhibidores de la resorción ósea. El objetivo de este trabajo, es analizar el efecto clínico y bioquímico de los bifosfonatos en enfermos con hipercalciuria, osteopenia y litiasis renal. MÉTODOS: En el periodo de 1996-2006 hemos tratado 25 casos de litiasis renal recidivante asociada a hipercalciuria y perdida de masa ósea primaria o secundaria. En todos los casos se ha realizado tratamiento con alendronato sódico y aporte oral de calcio equivalente a 1000-1200 mg/día. Analizamos, tolerancia y adherencia al tratamiento, efectos secundarios, efectos bioquímicos en sangre y orina, efectos sobre mineralización ósea y evolución de la actividad litiásica antes y después del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Todos los pacientes han seguido las recomendaciones de administración del fármaco (alendronato sódico 10 md/día o 70 mg/semana), han manifestado buena tolerancia y no se han producido efectos secundarios relevantes ni abandonos del tratamiento. En el 76% de los casos se ha producido remisión de la actividad litógena y en el 24% se ha reducido la actividad litiásica, en todos los casos ha aumentado la mineralización ósea. CONCLUSIONES: En este grupo seleccionado de pacientes con litiasis recidivante y osteopenia, el tratamiento con bifosfonatos solos o asociados a tiacidas ha obtenido buenos resultados en el control de la litiasis renal y desmineralización ósea. La ampliación de sus indicaciones debe analizarse en un estudio randomizado multicéntrico

OBJECTIVES: Current treatment of hypercalciuria is still controversial, not being recommended calcium restriction since it may cause a negative balance with important consequences to bone metabolism. In adults, the use of biphosphonates (sodium alendronate) has shown a good response. Biphosphonates are synthetic analogs of the endogenous pirophosphate. Pirophosphate is the simplest form of phosphate. In 1968, Fleisch demonstrated that inorganic pirophosphate inhibits the precipitation of calcium phosphate. The differences between various biphosphonates are in the safety margin between their inhibitor effect for bone resorption and the inhibitor effect for mineralization; bone resorption inhibition has been their most widely spread application. The objective of this work is to analyze the clinical and biochemical effect of biphosphonates in patients with hypercalciuria, osteopenia and renal lithiasis. METHODS: From 1996 to 2006 we treated 25 cases of recurrent renal lithiasis associated with hypercalciuria and primary or secondary bone mass loss. All cases were treated with sodium alendronate and oral calcium (1000-1200 mg/day). We analyze tolerance and treatment compliance, side effects, biochemical effects on blood and urine, effect on bone mineralization, and the outcome of lithiasic disease before and after treatment. RESULTS: All patients have followed the recommendations for the administration of the drug (sodium alendronate 10 mg/day or 70 mg/week), have had good tolerance without relevant side effects, and no one quit treatment. 76% of the cases have had remission of the lithogenesis activity and 24% reduction, and all cases have had an increase of bone mineralization. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of selected patients with recurrent lithiasis and osteopenia the treatment with biphosphonates alone or associated with thiazide diuretics has given good results in renal lithiasis control and bone demineralization. The extension of indications should be analyzed in a multicentric randomized study